What federal act aims to prevent discrimination in housing transactions?

The Fair Housing Act is designed to prevent discrimination in housing transactions based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, and disability. Enacted as part of the Civil Rights Act of 1968, this legislation was pivotal in promoting equal housing opportunities throughout the United States. It addresses discriminatory practices in renting, selling, and financing homes, and established a framework for individuals to file complaints if they believe they have experienced housing discrimination.

In contrast, the Truth in Lending Act primarily focuses on ensuring that consumers are provided with clear and accurate information regarding the terms and costs of borrowing. The Consumer Protection Act is broader and encompasses various forms of consumer rights and protections but does not specifically target housing discrimination. The Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act pertains to the settlement process in real estate transactions, mandating disclosures to inform consumers about the costs associated with closing a property, without addressing the issue of discrimination itself. Therefore, the Fair Housing Act is the most relevant act when discussing the prevention of discrimination in housing transactions.